The South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF),New York has started a new initiative titled South Asian Rising Star Film Awards to celebrate its ninth anniversary.

Nominees have been announced in nine categories for the first edition of the awards. A jury consisting of Indian film critic Rajeev Mansand; author, and journalist Anupama Chopra; Siddhartha Khosla who is the front-man of NY-based band Goldspot and a singer/songwriter; American actress and musician Janina Gavankar and American actor Maulik Pancholy will select the winners.

South Asian Rising Star Awards are presented by SAIFF and HBO.

The award ceremony, to be held on October 23rd, will be co hosted by American adult entertainer and Bollywood actor Sunny Leone.